Top Armenian American socialite Kim Kardashian’s visit to Armenia has become one of the most debated events among online chattering classes and beyond, leaving practically no one indifferent.
Kardashian, a 34-year-old U.S. television star with worldwide recognition, arrived in her historical homeland on Wednesday evening along with her husband Kanye West, daughter North, and sister Khloe.
The visit of the renowned family has also put Armenia into an international media spotlight, with the world’s leading media like The Daily Mail, The Guardian, USA TODAY, the Turkish Hurriyet, and others covering Kardashian’s landmark trip that coincides with the time when Armenians prepare to commemorate the centennial of the genocide committed in Ottoman Turkey.
Almost everyone in Armenia is now talking about the Kardashians’ visit and social media are abuzz with comments on this subject. Various opinions can be heard about the star of Armenian origin from both public figures and ordinary citizens.
Politicians have also commented on the Kardashian family’s trip to Armenia. Parliament Speaker Galust Sahakyan appreciated her coming, saying that the entire world’s attention is directed to Armenia due to this circumstance.
“Kim Kardashian is a world famous lady, and we should be proud to see the world’s attention focused on Armenia. We like to gossip even about the best things. She is very popular and we should host her decently,” the top Armenian legislator said.
Levon Martirosyan, a lawmaker representing the faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), told media that the TV star’s visit should be used for the promotion of the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
“This is a very good means. She has 77 million followers on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other social media, at least 77 million people listen to each of her words. That should certainly be used for Armenia’s promotion, for promoting its tourist potential and for making the voice of our people once again audible,” he said.
Shushan Petrosyan, a singer and lawmaker representing the RPA faction, also said that it is necessary to use the occasion to promote Armenia’s interests.
“It’s very important to work on our side and give a right direction to her based on historical events. I don’t think she is interested in all this, but the information should be provided correctly,” she said.
Kim Kardashian and her sister Khloe, accompanied by media, yesterday took a stroll around Yerevan, visiting, in particular, Victory Park. After that they were received by Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan. And later in the day the Kardashians went to visit some historical and cultural places outside Yerevan – in Garni and Geghard.
In Armenia the U.S. celebrity sisters are shooting a one-hour episode of their TV show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
While in Armenia they are also expected to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd and travel to the country’s second largest city of Gyumri to meet some distant relatives.
Report by Alina Nikoghosyan
ArmeniaNow